On Tuesday, the Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill that would delay the adoption of Martin's proposal for at least six months until the agency completes studies on localism and minority ownership.

Martin faced questions about his management, including recent unexplained delays in commission meetings, accusations that he has "cherry picked" data to support his position on an issue, his failure to keep fellow commissioners apprised of upcoming proposals and a lack of transparency in the way the FCC operates.

Big media buyout and the loss of local control of the TV and radio airwaves would be a shame.

That hearing was unbelievable! Martin is an obstinate, pig headed rightwinger even worse than Powell was. He is determined to consolidate media even further and continually told the Senators he would NOT change the date from Dec. 18 to do so.

Kerry particularly hammered him, and it did renew some respect for Kerry to have him be so dogged in his questioning. It also renewed my hostility towards the Dems for allowing this administration to continue pillaging this country--for personal gain.

Quote:

On Monday, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell, D-Mich., ordered an investigation of the agency by the subcommittee on oversight and investigations alleging a lack of openness. Dingell on Wednesday said the FCC "appears to be broken."

Brace yourself. Today's vote - if Congress doesn't overturn it - means more coverage of Paris Hilton's latest drunken binge and less government and corporate accountability in the U.S. media. If that's cool with you, have another beer and turn the page. If it's not, go to [StopBigMedia.com] and raise holy hell.